Thursday, July 21, 2011

Jul 21 - What it Means

This is the latest painting to come off my easel, at least in the last week, and the first to share with you since April. Entitled "Me and My Shadow", it encompasses some of the growth and change that has been happening for me.

The little, scared Chihuahua is down front, looking askance at the world around him. Even with trepidation in his little feet, and alone, he moves forward, into an unknown future, yet not fearful enough to quit moving. Hopeful, his head turns toward you.

Now the other side of the painting represents the inner truth of what courage we all have--to do what needs to be done--to move forward. The strength, wildness and honesty of the shadow sharp on the wall is a constant reminder to be strong, to move forward in your intended direction, and continue on your path, no matter how much unknown there might be on it. No matter how much initial resistance you may encounter. For like all shadows, there is no substance to the opinions of others, nor is there any reason for you to quit in your forward journey because of your own fears.

"Me and My Shadow" is an oil, 12 x 24 inches on gallery wrap, and is already in an online show which will be opening August 1st with the Canine Art Guild. ( http://www.canineartguild.com ).

On other news, I'm scheduled to teach a five-day workshop in conjunction with the American Academy of Equine Art here at Two Trees Studio. The days will involve an emphasis on horse anatomy (my Raindance, even chubby, makes a willing model). And we will be covering how to capture light in paintings using the Color System.

Please use the links if you want five days of Elin-isms and Yellin' by Elin here at Two Trees August 1-5. I'll send your name off to the AAEA for registration.

In October there are the workshops in Georgia, with a couple of spaces left in this magical farm. I love going back there! Again, use the link to email me, and I'll get your interest to Judi, who sets up these live-in Color Boot Camps on the East Coast.

The newest DVD on the Color System is HERE
You can see my entire blog HERE.
My workshop schedule for 2011 is HERE.
Color System information can be found HERE.
If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Jul 20 - Time Flies

 So what is it that makes us take a hiatus from "long-standing standard procedures"? I've been blogging for years--since 2005, and then there came a time when it didn't seem important to do that any more, so, like Forrest Gump, I just decided to go home. I stopped. Since April. Yikes!

Artists need time to reassess, reevaluate, choose new paths without pressure or outside direction. That's what I've done, and am doing, and it is ongoing. But I can't leave you, because from what I've heard, you find real value in what I'm doing as an artist, and for that I am very grateful.

Here on the cusp of my (burgledy-burg)-third birthday, I've done some changing that fills me with joy. One thing is the acquisition of my motorcycle, and spending time in California's lovely climate riding the mountains and back roads of this gorgeous state. I'm gathering visual input for future paintings, and sensing the world in a whole new and rich way with my hands on the controls and cruising on the roads. The image shows the new bike before I started customizing it (yes, it is an "art bike" now!), and shows my art gear along for the ride as I head out for an art demonstration. This is outside my studio door, with Judy Wood's mosaic mounted in the wall. I finally finished painting the door, too, and it is a wonderfully organic abstract.

Life is short. No second chances. Fill it with rich experiences and take that leap of "reckless ideas" and go for it, and stop listening to people who would push their agendas on you. That's what I'm doing, and I'm having the time of my life.

More tomorrow.

And I'm painting better than I ever have, and will share those with you, too!

The newest DVD on the Color System is HERE
You can see my entire blog HERE.
My workshop schedule for 2011 is HERE.
Color System information can be found HERE.
If you need to email me directly, please click here.